A2
Wallowa County Chieftain
CORRECTION
A cutline on Page
A16 of the July 7 edition
of the Wallowa County
Chieftain identifi ed the
correct winner at the
Wallowa Fourth of July
Parade, but the photo
was not of the winning
entrant.
The Chieftain regrets
the error.
FOR THE RECORD
JULY 5
1:59 a.m. — Suspicious cir-
cumstances in Joseph.
2:07 a.m. — Public assist in
Joseph.
6:09 a.m. — Two loose
cows in rural Enterprise.
6:51 a.m. — Road hazard in
rural Wallowa. Referred to OSP.
8:02 a.m. — Report of a
Death Notice
Timothy L. Doss, 72, Enterprise, Oregon
passed away July 2, 2021 at Wallowa
Memorial Hospital. A full obituary will be
published at a later time.
RECORDS
dog bite in Enterprise.
10:14 a.m. — Report of a
dog left in a vehicle in Joseph.
11:42 a.m. — Request for
public assist in Lostine.
1:08 p.m. — Motorist assist
in rural Imnaha.
1:57 p.m. — Two loose
horses on Dorrance Lane in
rural Joseph.
2:06 p.m. — Welfare check
request in Lostine.
9:40 p.m. — Noise com-
plaint in Wallowa.
11:36 p.m. — 911 report
of a non injury traffi c crash in
rural Enterprise.
11:44 p.m. — Motorist
assist in Enterprise.
JULY 6
9:11 a.m. — Traffi c com-
plaint in Enterprise.
9:53 a.m —
. 911 cal reporti
l ng a vehicle fire in Enterprise.
10:14 a.m.
—
911
non-emergency animal com-
plaint in Joseph.
11:27 a.m. — Welfare check
request in Enterprise.
11:40 a.m. — Traffi c com-
plaint in Enterprise.
11:46 a.m. — 911 call
of traffi c complaint in rural
Enterprise.
12:42 p.m. — Traffi c com-
plaint in Enterprise.
1:31 p.m. — Male juvenile
in Wallowa cited for unautho-
rized use of motor vehicle and
reckless driving.
3:05 p.m. — 911 public
assist in Joseph.
4:21 p.m. — Traffi c stop in
rural Joseph. Wallowa County
Sheriff ’s Offi ce issued a cita-
tion for passing in a no pass-
ing zone.
4:21 p.m. — 911 welfare
Loveland Funeral Chapel & Crematory will
be handling the arrangements.
Death Notice
Judy LaVerne Bothum
91 year old Donald Crow of Wallowa,
Oregon died at the local hospital July 9, 2021.
At this time no services are planned.
June 16, 1941 - May 11, 2021
Judy LaVerne Bothum died 05/11/2021 at
the age of 79 in Joseph, Oregon. Judy was born
06/16/1941, in Pendleton, Oregon and considered
Joseph their hometown. Judy LaVerne Stockdale
Bothum entered this world in Enterprise, OR on June
16, 1941. The eldest child of Ina and Gayle Stockdale,
Judy was born with a loving heart and an indomita-
ble spirit. Intelligent, adventurous, and braver than
most, she faced life’s challenges head on, no matter
how difficult.
Judy spent her early childhood years with her
parents and younger siblings, on the family ranch north of Enterprise, OR. It
was here that her love of livestock and ranching were formed. She became an
accomplished horsewoman at a young age and competed in junior rodeos &
horse shows across the Pacific Northwest. She won countless awards and All-
around titles on her horse, Ole Blackie. A stunning duo to watch, he carried her
in many events, but they really excelled in Reining and Cutting. Judy was also
highly active in 4-H and FFA, showing cattle, pigs and sheep.
The family moved into town in 1953 where Judy attended Enterprise grade
school, then high school. It was an idyllic childhood living and expanding in
what is now known as the Historic OK Theatre built in 1919. She participated
in many activities including serving on the cheerleading squad her sophomore
and junior years. In 1958, Gayle and Ina decided to relocate to Clarkston, WA,
which offered more opportunities to pursue their dream of owning their own
horse training facility. While it was a difficult move for Judy, she chose to go
with her family rather than stay in Enterprise with her grandparents to finish
high school. That summer, she was honored to serve as princess on the Chief
Joseph Days Rodeo court, riding her favorite mount, Ole Blackie!
In 1959, the tall willowy beauty graduated from high school and moved
to Colorado to embark on a modeling career for Panhandle Slim Western Wear.
Eventually, longing for family, friends, and her life with horses, she was called
back to Clarkston. She went on to work as a secretary at Potlatch Forests pa-
per mill and returned to rodeo & horse shows. This proved to be a fortuitous
decision on her part, as she met her future husband, J. Shirly Bothum at the
Lewiston Roundup Grounds.
Shirly and Judy were married Nov. 4th, 1961. Theirs was a love for ages.
They started life together on a series of small ranches they purchased and built
up, eventually buying 11,000 acres at the bottom of Shumaker Grade east of
Anatone, WA on the banks of the Grand Round River. It was a steep, remote
location, with an old sheep camp cabin & barn. Lacking modern amenities but
with sheer grit, determination, and tremendous work ethic, the young couple
transformed the shack into a home and the ranch into a thriving cattle oper-
ation. Their eldest daughter, Sheila Bothum Klausen, was born Nov. 1964. It
was a harrowing trip out of the canyon during winter weather to make it to
the hospital in time for the birth of their first child! It was soon after the young
Bothum family moved back to Clarkston, Washington.
Jill Bothum Hansen arrived in August 1967 and Katy Jane Bothum Sea-
ton completed their family in November of 1975. J. Shirly Bothum became a
renowned western and wildlife sculptor whose career gained accolades and
awards across the nation. Judy, as his business partner, with her brilliant smile
and humble attitude charmed people from all walks of life. She never knew a
stranger and could hold her own with everyone, from the Hollywood Hills to
the Rolling Hills. Judy’s accomplishments weren’t limited to just cows & horses
though. In her lifetime, she grew her own food for her family, refinished
furniture and braided macrame. She sewed clothes, made dolls for play and
quilts for comfort. She invented “Carpet tiles” and quilted a living room rug and
knitted couchacan sweaters. She knew how to have fun and she knew how to
create fun; she was simply quite talented.
In January of 2002, her inner strength was severely tested with the sud-
den passing of her beloved husband who suffered a massive heart attack. De-
spite her grief, Judy was determined to continue. Her roots in Wallowa County
had drawn Judy and Shirly back to Joseph, OR several years earlier. The small
town was becoming a mecca for artists and bronze foundries. They built a
home and a studio on the banks of the Wallowa River, framed by stunning
views of majestic mountains. After his passing, Judy converted the art studio
to guest lodging and basically beta tested AirBnB! Thus, the Cowboy Riverfront
Retreat became a reality. A natural born hostess, the business thrived with her
innate ability to draw people to her and the unique charm she infused in the
décor. She created a magical place to rejuvenate one’s soul and energy. She ex-
panded with two more properties as a “Super Host” with the “The Bunk House”
and “Judy’s Cow Camp.”
After a valiant 3-week battle with COVID19, Judy’s earthly journey ended
on May 11th, 2021, when God called her home. We are all comforted by the
knowledge that Judy’s deep abiding faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
sustained her throughout this life’s many challenges.
Let us remember all that she was . . . a devoted wife, a loving mother, a
daughter, a sister, a friend and a civic leader. Highlights of her activism include:
President of PEO, The Elks Lodge, March of Dimes, a 30 Year 4-H Leader, Wal-
lowa County 2010 Employee of the Year, Chief Joseph Days Volunteer of the
Year and later, in 2015, Grand Marshall, Honorary FFA Degree and so much
more. She was talented in a multitude of ways and served her communities
with a giving heart.
If you would like to donate in honor of Judy, please direct them toward
the following: The Wallowa Lake Lodge, Wallowa County Memorial Hospital,
Wallowa County Museum or purchase an animal at the Wallowa County Fair
Livestock Sale. Follow the continuing adventure as Judy’s family hosts won-
derful guests in the most beautiful place in the world. It will take all 3 girls to
do ½ as good of a job as that one woman. That’s a True Story.
This is NOT goodbye dearest Judy, for we will one day join you when God
calls us home.
Judy is preceded in death by her husband J. Shirly Bothum, her parents
Gayle and Ina Stockdale and her younger brother Clell. She is survived by her
daughters and their families. Michael & Sheila Klausen and their children
Grant &a Courtney. Jill Hansen, Chase & Maddy Hansen and Clayton & Rylee
Hansen. Nicholas & Katy Jane Seaton and their children Tucker & McClain. A
Celebration of Life will be held at The O.K. Theater in Enterprise, OR Saturday,
August 21st at 11:00 a.m. Details to follow on her Memorial Page at Merchants
Funeral Home and on her personal Facebook page.
Bollman Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements
Marilyn Davis Preston Suarez
September 26, 1944 - June 1, 2021
It was a beautiful morning in Wallowa Coun-
ty. The skies were clear and bright blue. The sun
had reached Marilyn’s snowcapped mountains,
providing the perfect backdrop for her to finalize
her great race. She had proven herself worthy and
the angels were singing as our Love left us for her
rewards the morning of June 1, 2021. She is great-
ly missed but she now has a larger audience and a
great host for harmonizing.
A celebration of Marilyn’s extraordinary life will
be held on Saturday July 24, 2021 at the Enterprise
Christian Church at 11 AM. 85035 Joseph Hwy. Enterprise, OR 97828. The
Music starts a bit at earlier.
Known as MEPS to those who loved her, Marilyn Yvonne Davis was born on
September 26, 1944, to Carl M Davis and Illa Lorraine Hunt Davis in Baker City,
Oregon. To everyone’s surprise her birth certificate does show Yvonne, and by
the rules, now also her death certificate. No one knew and always used the
intended spelling Evonne. “MYPS”would never do.
As a kid, Marilyn rode her horse to Muddy Creek School and didn’t
come home till dark. “Those were the days,” she often said. “Times were
much simpler then.” Marilyn’s life however cannot be summed up in simple
words. She was a force, the embodiment of strength, resilience, and faith.
Her penchant for living and adventure was obvious from the start. She ex-
celled throughout school and had particularly fond memories of her friends
in Baker City and her time as a “Bakerette,” performing across Oregon with the
Baker Elks Drum and Bugle Corps.
Marilyn married young, twice - to Cuyler Lighthall, Jr. and Charles
Dick Preston. Her marriage to Cuyler produced her only child, Cuyler Lighthall,
III with whom she shared many of life’s adventures - horseback riding, pack-
ing into the Wallowa Mountains for elk hunts, rafting the Snake River in
Hells Canyon, and raucous “capers” across the Northwest with her closest
friends and family. Marilyn really loved a road trip. When asked if she had any
photos of these happenings, Joann Wheeler said, “Oh noooo, we didn’t want
to document anything more than we had to.” Shenanigans were plenty, family
was strong and Marilyn’s willing, funny, clever presence was at the center of
it all.
Marilyn spent some time in Portland as a young woman, where
she worked as a legal secretary, but Wallowa County is what fed her
aspirations and filled her heart. She visited often and kept her eyes open for
opportunities to move back. During one of those visits, her dream came true
when the Ricker family sold her Wallowa Title Company and her legacy was
born. She soon opened shop in Enterprise, Oregon where the company carries
on today.
As you’d suspect, Marilyn was very active in her community serving as
a long-time board member at Community Bank and sitting as Chair for
many years. Under her watch they attracted the current group which took
over ownership and management, an accomplishment of which she was very
proud. She was a member of Rotary International and got to know many of
her fellow business associates through the Chamber of Commerce.
Back then it seemed like Marilyn knew nearly everyone in the County.
And although Marilyn had a fierce business sense, she always had a smile, a
laugh, and a quick wit that helped build strong relationships across the coun-
ty and a thriving business. If you knew Marilyn, you likely succumbed to her
side-splitting humor more than once. There was never a time, even in the very
end, that she wasn’t wise-cracking and making people laugh.
Marilyn adored and loved all of her “girls” at Wallowa Title Company,
looking after them over the last 30+ years as if they were her own children.
She often said she practically raised them all. If you’re ever fortunate enough
to do business with Wallowa Title, you’ll see her thumbprint on the continuing
professionalism, character, integrity and work ethic in them all.
She was proud of her accomplishments at Wallowa Title but her work
provided another incidental reason to be ever grateful and appreciative. One
lucky day in the mid 90’s, she met a handsome stranger across her table at
a real estate closing. She smiled that gorgeous smile of hers and he kindly
returned the sentiment thinking she was flirting with him. Little did Tom
know then, that she flirted with all the old guys. That simple gesture sparked
a strong friendship with Tom Suarez, which culminated in marriage on her
birthday in 1998.
As if she wasn’t busy enough, Marilyn often enjoyed another passion –
singing and playing bass guitar in two bands - Soul Renovations, a Christian
Band and No Boundaries, known for their golden oldies. Singing lifted her soul
and in her last days she remarked how much she missed those days.
In recent years, Marilyn and Tom became cross-country trekkers
in their Classic 1978 GMC Motorhome, aptly named “the Phoenix” as it spent
a lot of time in repair shops “Rising from the Ashes”. It seemed as if the mis-
chief of her younger years was back! Did we mention that Marilyn really loved
a road trip? Together they traveled through many states, met many new
friends, and made many memories – most of them involving a wide array
of interesting characters they encountered while the Phoenix was broken
down or at gatherings with other owners of these Classic GMCs. Marilyn, in her
witty brand, documented these adventures for their friends to enjoy.
Marilyn is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Tom Suarez;
her son, Cuyler Lighthall, III and daughter-in-law, Kate Lighthall; and her
two grandchildren, Tate Lighthall and Parker-Jane Lighthall. She also leaves
behind her brothers and their wives, Ron and Joyce Davis, Dick and Melissa
Davis, and Jan Davis, wife of brother Mike Davis who preceded Marilyn in
death. Marilyn enjoyed a posse of sweet, funny and engaging nieces and
nephews including Layne and Paris Davis, Nick Davis, Ryan Davis, Justin and
Cindra Davis, Aaron and Sara Davis, and Emma Davis. She was also preceded in
death by her parents, Carl and Illa Davis.
MEPS loved the Lord and her work here on Earth in His name is now com-
plete. Her new mission takes her to a wonderful place where she will be free
of pain, singing, playing a bass guitar, watching old movies, reading, mowing
Heaven’s lawns on a brand-new John Deere and of course,
MAKING THOSE IN HEAVEN LAUGH!
Wednesday, July 14, 2021
check at Wallowa Lake.
6:59 p.m. — Found horses
in Joseph.
7:29 p.m. — Possible fi re
reported in rural Joseph.
8:55 p.m.
—
911
smoke-sighting reported from
Enterprise.
9:23 p.m. — 911 for
non-emergency
in
rural
Joseph.
10:31 p.m. — 911 report of
domestic in Enterprise.
JULY 7
9:01 a.m. — Report of loose
cows in Joseph.
10:14 a.m. — Report of sto-
len bike in Joseph.
10:17 a.m. — Report of
loose cows in rural Joseph.
11:55 a.m. — Possible tres-
passing in Joseph.
4:04 p.m. — 911 possible
fi re in rural Enterprise.
5:29 p.m. — Welfare check
requested on Hwy 82 in rural
Lostine.
6:44 p.m. — Public assist in
Enterprise.
8:26 p.m. — 911 for
non-emergency in Enterprise.
8:55 p.m. — Two lost horses
reported in Joseph.
9:03 p.m. — Lost keys
reported at Wallowa Lake.
9:30 p.m. — Report of over-
due boaters — Troy.
10:05 p.m. — 911 report of
fi re in rural Enterprise.
10:54 p.m. — 911 report
of suspicious person in rural
Wallowa.
JULY 8
7:20 a.m. — Non-emer-
gency 911 in Enterprise.
8:22 a.m. — Non-emer-
gency 911 at Wallowa Lake.
8:34 a.m. — Commercial
fi re alarm activation in Enter-
prise, false alarm.
1:09 p.m. — Suspicious
vehicle in Enterprise.
4:02 p.m. — Follow-up
investigation in Enterprise.
5:10 p.m. — Traffi c com-
plaint in Enterprise.
6:43 p.m. — 911 fi re
reported in rural Troy.
8:13 p.m. — 911 report of
assault in rural Enterprise.
9:14 p.m. — 911 request for
welfare check in rural Wallowa.
JULY 9
9:41 a.m. — Business alarm
in Joseph, false alarm.
9:46 a.m. — Follow-up
investigation in Joseph.
10:43 a.m. — Report of
non-injury traffi c crash in
Enterprise.
1:36 p.m. — Theft reported
in Lostine.
2:56 p.m. — 911 call about
a traffi c complaint in rural
Wallowa.
3:08 p.m. — Traffi c stop
in Enterprise — citation for
speeding.
4:42 p.m. — Public assist in
Enterprise.
9:27 p.m. — Report of
loose cows in Enterprise.
9:52 p.m. — Report of an
injured deer in rural Enterprise.
10:14 p.m. — Report of fi re
near Hells Canyon.
10:16 p.m. — 911 traffi c
complaint in rural Wallowa. A
warning was issued.
See Records, Page A13
Death Notice
86 year old Barbara Rounsavell-Lamoreaux
of Enterprise, Oregon died at the local
hospital July 12, 2021. At this time no
services are planned.
Geraldine Ruth Eckel
March 1, 1938 – May 19, 2021
Geri passed away peacefully on May 19, 2021. My mother was a very
loving, giving, and wonderful person. She was loved by family and friends and
she will be missed terribly.
Geri is preceded in death by her husband Frank Joseph Eckel, 2 sons
Mickey Ray Fox and Frank Otto Eckel, and 2 daughters Joanna Ruth Fox and
Carolyn Rae Vandenburg.
She is survived by her brother Raymond Phillips of Cresent Valley, NV, and
2 sisters Bernice Pitman of Enterprise, OR and Helen Hauser of Hermiston OR,
2 daughters; Donna Armon of Lostine, OR and Phyllis Doss of Fort Bragg CA,
17 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.
Pam Forrester, 79